Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari has named the players which Punjab Kings should release after the conclusion of IPL 2026. PBKS could not qualify for the playoffs this season despite getting off to a dream start, winning six out of their first seven matches (with one ending in no result due to rain).
Vihari reckons PBKS should release Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. The right-hander scored 216 runs in nine innings at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 180 in IPL 2026.
“Marcus Stoinis will be my first release. He was bought for 11 crores in the auction and for that amount, at number six or seven, he is not worth it. He is not a youngster where he can give you 2-3 more years. He was not that effective in the bowling as well. If you want to buy him back for a lesser price, that is a different story,” Hanuma Vihari said on his YouTube channel.
Vihari said the Mohali-based franchise should release Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Lockie Ferguson and Mitch Owen.
“They have to release Nehal Wadhera. This season was a flop for him. Another debatable release for me is Shashank Singh at 5 crores. Is it worth at that amount? Another player is Mitch Owen. They did not even use him in this tournament. Lockie Ferguson should be another release. All these will give you 25 crores,” he stated.
The 32-year-old said Shreyas Iyer’s team should retain their bowling duo of Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.
“They should continue with Chahal and Arshdeep for at least another year till the mega auction because of their past record. 18 crores is a lot of money for a spinner, so you can see what he does in the off-season. The role of spinners this season went down drastically. You have Harpreet Brar who is consistent and very economical as well. If you are keeping Chahal, use him more,” he said.
Vihari urged PBKS to target to England skipper Ben Stokes if he is available at the mini auction.
“If you manage to have these 25 crores in the purse, you need a good top-order batter at number four or five. Four and five is still covered with Shreyas and Shedge but they have to look at number six and seven. They need a decent overseas all-rounder for Stoinis. If Ben Stokes is available, I will go for him. If you have the money, go till 16-17 crores for him,” Hanuma Vihari stated.
PBKS ended IPL 2026 in fifth place in the standings.
